Welcome to Sidney
Due to its location, amenities, and ample moorage, Sidney was once a favourite district for seniors and yachters. While it’s still beloved by boaters and retirees, the ongoing development of the waterfront town of Sidney, including its year-round activities and rich outdoor recreation, have been attracting more snowbirds, young families and professionals.
Overview
Sidney is a seaside town and suburban district located at the northern point of the Saanich Peninsula, just before Swartz Bay where ferry services to Vancouver and other nearby islands are located. Sidney is situated close enough to downtown Victoria via public transit or car, but far enough away from the downtown action to afford the serenity and safety that Sidney is known for.
SIDNEY BY THE SEA
Due to its location, amenities, and ample moorage, Sidney was once a favourite district for seniors and yachters. While it’s still beloved by boaters and retirees, the ongoing development of the waterfront town of Sidney, including its year-round activities and rich outdoor recreation, have been attracting more snowbirds, young families and professionals. Residents of Sidney appreciate a more peaceful and laid back day-to-day island lifestyle while enjoying easy access to downtown Victoria, the airport and ferry terminal.
Lifestyle
West Coast Islander
15% CITY + 85% ISLAND LIFE
| Have a boat or have your heart set on one? Sidney features several boat launches and moorage including the expansive and full-service Van Isle Marina. |
Stroll the many boutique shops, cafes, and eateries lining Beacon Street, admire the moored watercraft while enjoying brunch at Sidney Marina, or take in the fresh West Coast ocean air with a leisurely stroll on Sidney Pier. |
Avid gardener? Want a yard? Sidney features several ranch-style homes with sizeable yards and gardens. |
Walkability and Bikeability
Sidney has a Walkscore of 64, deeming it somewhat walkable (some errands can be accomplished on foot), and Sidney’s dining & retail district, Beacon Avenue, has a Walkscore of 91, deeming it “a walker’s paradise” because all errands can easily be accomplished on foot. If walkability is a top priority for you, consider one of the homes, townhouses or condos for sale along one of the streets surrounding Beacon
Avenue. Sidney also features several designated walking and biking trails, including the Lochside Trail which connects Sidney to Downtown Victoria.
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Pet-Friendly
Many of Sidney’s parks and trails welcome dogs on-leash and several homes feature spacious and fenced yards. Peter Grant Park is Sidney’s only dog off-leash park that offers plenty of room for your fur-babies to run and play fetch. |
Family-Friendly
Low-traffic neighbourhoods and cul de sacs, family homes with sizeable yards, proximity to schools, playgrounds, parks, amenities, and year-round community activities, make Sidney an ideal haven for raising your family.
It’s also worth mentioning that numerous public washrooms situated throughout the Town of Sidney make exploring the cafes, piers, and shops even more accommodating for families. |
Senior-Friendly
Sidney’s safe and quiet streets, neighbourhoods, parks, beaches, and shopping district have made it one of the most preferred districts for seniors.
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KEY LANDMARKS & AMENITIES
PARKS & OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Sidney features 28 public parks, green spaces, and beaches (including 17 with public access), as well as several designated cycling routes, playgrounds, walking trails, diving spots, kayak and boat launches, and piers. Following are a few of Sidney’s most notable parks and outdoor attractions:
BEACON PARK
Waterfront grassy area with paved walkway, benches, and a covered gazebo at the tip of Beacon Avenue, between Sidney Marina and Sidney Pier. Beacon Park is sometimes used to host community events and small concerts. Leashed-dogs are welcome.
Find out more!
SIDNEY'S WATERFRONT WALKWAY
A 2.5-kilometre, flat and paved waterfront walkway featuring benches, picnic tables, lookout points, and breathtaking views of Mt. Baker and the San Juan Islands.
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TULISTA PARK
One of Saanich Peninsula’s most beautiful parks, the waterfront Tulista Park features a large grassy area, a paved waterfront walkway that welcomes leashed dogs, a children’s playground and swings, public washrooms, picnic benches, a boat launch, skateboard park, volleyball court and more.
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BEVAN FISHING PIER & EASTVIEW PARK
Cast your line or simply stroll the town of Sidney’s cherished fishing pier and enjoy a taste of seaside serenity from an ocean-facing bench or picnic table in the pier’s connected Eastview Park. Free onsite-parking. Leashed-dogs welcome.
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LOCHSIDE TRAIL
A historical railway that’s been renovated into a 29-kilometer multi-surface walking and biking trail that starts at Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and threads through the town of Sidney, past beaches, farmland, and suburban neighbourhoods and all the way to downtown Victoria.
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FERRY TO SIDNEY SPIT
May through September, a short walk-on ferry ride will shuttle you to Sidney Spit: a large island/sandbar that features stretches of sandy beaches, campsites, picnic tables, a hiking trail, and mooring.
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A 10-kilometre-long, designated biking/walking trail that connects the Town of Sidney with Victoria’s International Airport, complete with public washrooms and “hydration stations” at checkpoints along the trail.
Find out more!
